Creating Your Own Mandala: Get into Artful Flow
In college, I was faced with a requirement I dreaded: chemistry.
The math, the formulas, the foreign language of it all—it was the last place I wanted to be. My right-brain kept trying to rearrange equations like a painting composition gone awry. I wasn’t Einstein after all, I couldn’t invent new equations—though I tried. Fortunately, I did pass (barely, and we’re not talking about that grade), the real takeaway wasn’t from my notes—it was from my doodles.
“Notes” from my college chemistry class. Only I could decode them LOL!
I spent those lecture hours creating radiating designs that looked like mandalas. They weren’t deliberate, but the symmetry and repetition felt natural, almost meditative. Looking back, I realize those doodles were helping me focus in the moment, even if they weren’t helping my note-taking.
Now, I still find myself drawn to mandalas. They’ve become a creative refuge when I need structure but don’t want to overthink. Mandalas are a perfect balance of art and mindfulness—a way to tap into flow without the pressure of perfection. And…anyone can make one.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you step by step on how to create your own mandala. All you need are a few simple tools, a little patience, and a willingness to let go of the idea of perfection.
What is a Mandala? A Universal Artform with Deep Roots
Mandalas are intricate circular designs that can be found in cultures around the globe. The word "mandala" comes from the ancient Sanskrit word for "circle," but these designs are much more than just circles, they represent wholeness, unity, and balance.
From Tibetan sand mandalas used in Buddhist meditation to Native American medicine wheels, mandalas have been cherished as spiritual symbols for centuries.
Beyond their cultural significance, mandalas also hold a place in modern psychology. Carl Jung viewed mandalas as a representation of the self, a tool for personal growth and balance.
Science now backs up what ancient traditions intuitively knew: engaging in meditative art like creating mandalas can reduce stress, enhance focus, and even promote mental well-being.
From the Jungian Times: “While I was there I sketched every morning in a notebook a small circular drawing, a mandala, which seemed to correspond to my inner situation at the time. With the help of these drawings I could observe my psychic transformations from day to day.” - Carl Jung
A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that creating art—even without any prior experience—can significantly reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. When you’re immersed in drawing, painting, or coloring, you enter a "flow state," where time slips away, and you feel deeply connected to the present moment.
How to Create a Mandala: Step-by-Step Guide
What You’ll Need
Paper (any size, though larger sheets give you more space to work)
A ruler
A compass (optional, but helpful for precision)
A pencil
Scratch paper for brainstorming shapes
Paint, markers, or pens for detailing
Posca pens or fine-tipped markers for the final touches
Step 1: Find the Center of Your Paper
Lay your paper flat and use a ruler to measure the height and width.
Mark the midpoint on each edge and draw light lines to find where they intersect. This intersection is the center of your paper.
Step 2: Draw Concentric Circles
Adjust your compass to create a series of rings radiating outward from the center.
Leave enough space between each circle so you can add shapes and details.
If you don’t have a compass, you can trace household objects like bowls or lids in different sizes.
Step 3: Brainstorm Shapes
On scratch paper, draw a few shapes like petals, leaves, dots, or diamonds. These will act as your “image bank.” You can also search for mandala inspirations online or use nature as your guide.
Step 4: Start Designing Your Mandala
Lightly sketch larger shapes along the rings. Use the structure of the circles to keep your design balanced.
Let the shapes repeat organically—don’t overthink it! The beauty of a mandala lies in its symmetry, but small imperfections give it charm.
Step 5: Add Details and Begin Coloring
Once your basic design is complete, layer in finer details like dots, lines, or smaller shapes.
Choose 3-4 colors that harmonize well. You can always add more later, but starting with a simple palette helps maintain balance.
Step 6: Final Touches
Using markers or Posca pens, add accents and outlines to make your design pop.
Why Mandalas Are Good for the Soul
Scientific research supports the calming and restorative effects of repetitive, meditative art. A study from Frontiers in Psychology (2018) highlights how engaging in creative activities like drawing mandalas can induce a meditative state, reducing anxiety and promoting mindfulness.
Creating a mandala isn’t just about the end result—it’s about the process. The act of drawing within a structured design encourages a sense of flow, balance, and peace.
Try It Yourself or Join Me in a Workshop
I hope you’re inspired to create your own mandala! It’s a perfect activity for a rainy afternoon, a creative date, or a solo moment of mindfulness.
Want to go deeper? I’ll be hosting an in-person workshop where we’ll create mandalas together. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner, this is a chance to explore the beauty of mandalas in a supportive environment.
"Creativity takes courage."
– Henri Matisse
Happy creating!